Indonesian legislators have cancelled plans to ratify revisions to election laws after thousands of people protested in front of the parliament building. WION tells you more in this report.

Indonesia: Election law on age criteria triggers protests

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Around 100,000 people marched in Indonesia's capital Sunday to mark two years since a demonstration that led to the fall of Jakarta's Christian ex-governor, as presidential candidates seek to rally support ahead of next year's general election.

Former governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama was voted out of office and later jailed for two years for blasphemy following the 2016 protests, in a case seen as an example of rising religious intolerance in Muslim-majority Indonesia.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, has seen its reputation for pluralism eroded by a surge in attacks on minorities.

Analysts say identity politics and rising intolerance are likely to feature prominently along with the economy in campaigning for next April's general election across the sprawling Southeast Asian archipelago.

On Sunday, some 100,000 people joined the peaceful rally, with 23,000 officers securing the event, Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP.

The demonstrators many dressed in white and carrying Islamic flags gathered at the National Monument, where former general and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto spoke.

Subianto supported the rally that led to Purnama's ouster in December 2016, and analysts say Sunday's rally may have been politically motivated to boost his chance of winning the presidential elections set for April.

He will face President Joko Widodo, who has chosen conservative cleric Ma'ruf Amin as his vice presidential candidate, a move analysts think will bolster the president's Islamic credentials.

Widodo also supported the 2016 rally, known as "212 demonstrations" after the date when it was held -- the second of December.

 
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Around 100,000 people marched in Indonesia's capital Sunday to mark two years since a demonstration that led to the fall of Jakarta's Christian ex-governor, as presidential candidates seek to rally support ahead of next year's general election.

Around 100,000 people marched in Indonesia's capital Sunday to mark two years since a demonstration that led to the fall of Jakarta's Christian ex-governor, as presidential candidates seek to rally support ahead of next year's general election. Former governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama was voted out of office and later jailed for two years for blasphemy following the 2016 protests, in a case seen as an example of rising religious intolerance in Muslim-majority Indonesia. Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, has seen its reputation for pluralism eroded by a surge in attacks on minorities. Analysts say identity politics and rising intolerance are likely to feature prominently along with the economy in campaigning for next April's general election across the sprawling Southeast Asian archipelago. On Sunday, some 100,000 people joined the peaceful rally, with 23,000 officers securing the event, Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono told AFP. The demonstrators many dressed in white and carrying Islamic flags gathered at the National Monument, where former general and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto spoke. Subianto supported the rally that led to Purnama's ouster in December 2016, and analysts say Sunday's rally may have been politically motivated to boost his chance of winning the presidential elections set for April. He will face President Joko Widodo, who has chosen conservative cleric Ma'ruf Amin as his vice presidential candidate, a move analysts think will bolster the president's Islamic credentials. Widodo also supported the 2016 rally, known as "212 demonstrations" after the date when it was held -- the second of December.

Thousands of Islamists march in Jakarta ahead of elections

Indonesia has protested to Saudi Arabia over the execution of an Indonesian maid, convicted of murdering her employer who a workers' rights group said was trying to rape her at the time.

President Joko Widodo said he called Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Adel al-Jubeir, to lodge a protest and demand to know why Indonesia had not been informed about the execution of the woman, Tuti Tursilawati.

"We have called Saudi Arabia's foreign minister and conveyed our protest," Widodo was quoted as saying by the office of his cabinet secretary.

Tursilawati, who was working in the city of Ta'if, was found guilty of killing her employer in June 2011.

Indonesian advocacy group Migrant Care said in September that the mother of one had been defending herself from being raped.

The office of the cabinet secretary cited the Migrant Care assertion.

The Saudi ambassador to Indonesia had been summoned to discuss the matter, the president said.

The Saudi embassy in Jakarta did not answer calls seeking comment.

"The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ignored principles of human rights, including a right for everyone to live," said Abidin Fikri, a member of Indonesia's parliament.

Indonesia, which is the world's biggest Muslim-majority country and generally enjoys good ties with Saudi Arabia, also has the death penalty for certain crimes.

Indonesia has asked Saudi Arabia several times to improve protection of its workers there, including this month when Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met al-Jubeir in Jakarta.

Indonesia has protested to Saudi Arabia over the execution of an Indonesian maid, convicted of murdering her employer who a workers' rights group said was trying to rape her at the time.

Indonesia has protested to Saudi Arabia over the execution of an Indonesian maid, convicted of murdering her employer who a workers' rights group said was trying to rape her at the time. President Joko Widodo said he called Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Adel al-Jubeir, to lodge a protest and demand to know why Indonesia had not been informed about the execution of the woman, Tuti Tursilawati. "We have called Saudi Arabia's foreign minister and conveyed our protest," Widodo was quoted as saying by the office of his cabinet secretary. Tursilawati, who was working in the city of Ta'if, was found guilty of killing her employer in June 2011. Indonesian advocacy group Migrant Care said in September that the mother of one had been defending herself from being raped. The office of the cabinet secretary cited the Migrant Care assertion. The Saudi ambassador to Indonesia had been summoned to discuss the matter, the president said. The Saudi embassy in Jakarta did not answer calls seeking comment. "The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ignored principles of human rights, including a right for everyone to live," said Abidin Fikri, a member of Indonesia's parliament. Indonesia, which is the world's biggest Muslim-majority country and generally enjoys good ties with Saudi Arabia, also has the death penalty for certain crimes. Indonesia has asked Saudi Arabia several times to improve protection of its workers there, including this month when Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met al-Jubeir in Jakarta.

Indonesia protests to Saudi over execution of maid convicted of murder

Thousands of white-clad Muslims streamed towards a central Jakarta park on Friday, gathering for a rally expected to draw more than 100,000 Indonesians demanding the arrest of the capital&#39;s governor, a Christian accused of insulting the Quran.

National news agency Antara said 22,000 police personnel would be deployed to avoid a repeat of the violence that flared at the end of a protest led by hardline Islamists last month when more than 100 people were injured in clashes with police.

Muslim groups accuse governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama of insulting the Quran, though they have pledged that Friday&#39;s demonstration will be peaceful. Protesters began moving from the hulking Istiqlal mosque towards the National Monument in the centre of the city at around 5 am, after morning prayers.

&quot;We are expecting over 100,000 participants,&quot; Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono said late on Thursday. &quot;There is enough security so the public need not worry. We hope everything will proceed according to the agreement with the protesters.&quot;

Indonesia has the world&#39;s biggest Muslim population, but recognises six religions and is home to dozens of ethnic groups, some of which follow traditional beliefs.

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Purnama, an ethnic Chinese Christian, is being investigated over comments he made about his opponents&#39; use of the Quran in political campaigning. He denies wrongdoing but has apologised for the remarks. Police on Thursday handed over their investigation dossier to prosecutors, who are expected to take the case of alleged blasphemy to court in coming weeks.

Simmering religious and ethnic tension last month prompted President Joko Widodo to rally top military, political, and religious figures in a sign of unity amid fears of attempts to undermine the stability of his government.

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Police helicopters last week dropped leaflets over the capital,&nbsp;warning residents of harsh penalties if the upcoming rally turned violent. Tens of thousands participated in military-led rallies in several cities this week calling for unity and celebrating Indonesia&#39;s diversity.

The Jakarta government has also put up billboards on major roads calling for national unity and displaying pictures of independence heroes who fought against colonial rule. The Australian foreign ministry and the US&nbsp;embassy in Jakarta issued security notices urging nationals to avoid the demonstration.

Purnama, popularly known as Ahok, is running for re-election in February against two Muslim candidates. The governor, who is popular with many for pushing through tough reforms to clean up the teeming city, has slipped into second place in the race, opinion polls showed this week.

(Reuters)

Muslim protesters demand the arrest of Jakarta's governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian accused of insulting the Quran

Thousands of white-clad Muslims streamed towards a central Jakarta park on Friday, gathering for a rally expected to draw more than 100,000 Indonesians demanding the arrest of the capital's governor, a Christian accused of insulting the Quran. National news agency Antara said 22,000 police personnel would be deployed to avoid a repeat of the violence that flared at the end of a protest led by hardline Islamists last month when more than 100 people were injured in clashes with police. Muslim groups accuse governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama of insulting the Quran, though they have pledged that Friday's demonstration will be peaceful. Protesters began moving from the hulking Istiqlal mosque towards the National Monument in the centre of the city at around 5 am, after morning prayers. "We are expecting over 100,000 participants," Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono said late on Thursday. "There is enough security so the public need not worry. We hope everything will proceed according to the agreement with the protesters." Indonesia has the world's biggest Muslim population, but recognises six religions and is home to dozens of ethnic groups, some of which follow traditional beliefs. Purnama, an ethnic Chinese Christian, is being investigated over comments he made about his opponents' use of the Quran in political campaigning. He denies wrongdoing but has apologised for the remarks. Police on Thursday handed over their investigation dossier to prosecutors, who are expected to take the case of alleged blasphemy to court in coming weeks. Simmering religious and ethnic tension last month prompted President Joko Widodo to rally top military, political, and religious figures in a sign of unity amid fears of attempts to undermine the stability of his government. Police helicopters last week dropped leaflets over the capital, warning residents of harsh penalties if the upcoming rally turned violent. Tens of thousands participated in military-led rallies in several cities this week calling for unity and celebrating Indonesia's diversity. The Jakarta government has also put up billboards on major roads calling for national unity and displaying pictures of independence heroes who fought against colonial rule. The Australian foreign ministry and the US embassy in Jakarta issued security notices urging nationals to avoid the demonstration. Purnama, popularly known as Ahok, is running for re-election in February against two Muslim candidates. The governor, who is popular with many for pushing through tough reforms to clean up the teeming city, has slipped into second place in the race, opinion polls showed this week. (Reuters)

100,000 expected at blasphemy protest in Indonesian capital

Thousands of Indonesians held a peaceful rally on Saturday to promote unity, saying they were worried by signs of growing racial and religious intolerance in the world&#39;s largest Muslim-majority country.

Dressed in red and white shirts, the colours of the Indonesian flag, religious leaders, members of human rights groups, lawmakers and others marched along a central Jakarta street.

Some held posters with the national motto &quot;Bhinneka Tunggal Ika&quot;, which means unity in diversity, while others performed traditional dances.

&quot;This is about diversity, but also about unity. We have to separate politics from ethnicity, religion, and race,&quot; said 25-year old Iwan Saputra. &quot;I want Indonesia to stay united.&quot;

Concerns about rising hardline Islamic sentiment in the country of 250 million people have grown since police decided on Wednesday to investigate a blasphemy complaint by Muslim groups against the Christian governor of Jakarta.

More than 100,000 Muslims protested against governor Basuki Purnama Purnama earlier this month. Police fired tear gas and water cannons at the&nbsp;protesters.

&quot;The economy is growing, infrastructure is being built everywhere. Don&#39;t let this all be destroyed just because of ego,&quot; said Saidiman Ahmad, an activist with Liberal Islam Network.

Some analysts have said the police decision to pursue the case was a blow to democracy as well as diversity. Indonesia recognises six religions and is home to several minority groups that adhere to traditional beliefs.

(Reuters)

Many are concerned about rising hardline Islamic sentiment after the Christian mayor of Jakarta was investigated for blasphemy

Thousands of Indonesians held a peaceful rally on Saturday to promote unity, saying they were worried by signs of growing racial and religious intolerance in the world's largest Muslim-majority country. Dressed in red and white shirts, the colours of the Indonesian flag, religious leaders, members of human rights groups, lawmakers and others marched along a central Jakarta street. Some held posters with the national motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", which means unity in diversity, while others performed traditional dances. "This is about diversity, but also about unity. We have to separate politics from ethnicity, religion, and race," said 25-year old Iwan Saputra. "I want Indonesia to stay united." Concerns about rising hardline Islamic sentiment in the country of 250 million people have grown since police decided on Wednesday to investigate a blasphemy complaint by Muslim groups against the Christian governor of Jakarta. More than 100,000 Muslims protested against governor Basuki Purnama Purnama earlier this month. Police fired tear gas and water cannons at the protesters. "The economy is growing, infrastructure is being built everywhere. Don't let this all be destroyed just because of ego," said Saidiman Ahmad, an activist with Liberal Islam Network. Some analysts have said the police decision to pursue the case was a blow to democracy as well as diversity. Indonesia recognises six religions and is home to several minority groups that adhere to traditional beliefs. (Reuters)

Thousands of Indonesians rally against racial, religious intolerance

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